Printing system

Abstract

A printing system is provided for a fixed-rate printing service that can reduce the likelihood that the monthly fee will increase relative to the number of sheets printed when the number of sheets printed in an office decreases due to factors such as working from home. The printing system includes an acquisition unit, a comparison unit, a calculation unit, and an allocation unit. The acquisition unit acquires the number of sheets printed by a first printing device located at a first location. The comparison unit compares the number of sheets printed by the acquisition unit with a specified number of sheets printed based on a charge amount. Based on the comparison by the comparison unit, the calculation unit calculates a first printable number of sheets in the first printing device. The allocation unit allocates at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculation unit to a second printable number of sheets in a second printing device located at a second location. The second printing device can print based on the second printable number of sheets as a chargeable item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system including a printing device for printing on a medium such as paper. Background Art

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, there has long been a service in which a printer is brought into an office with a fixed quota and prints a predetermined number of sheets. For large printers used in company offices, etc., monthly subscription contracts are often signed as fixed-quota printing services.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-36582

[0004] However, the service described in Patent Document 1, which provides a printing system for printers and other printing devices, can lead to a decrease in the number of prints printed by offices due to people working from home. Specifically, as the number of people working from home increases, the company's printers are not used, leading to a technical problem in which the specified number of prints specified in the subscription cannot be used up. For example, in some cases, only half of the specified number of prints can be used up. In this case, the monthly fee becomes higher relative to the number of prints, which is disadvantageous to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A printing system for solving the above-mentioned technical problem comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring the number of printed sheets in a first printing device set up in a first location; a comparison unit for comparing the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquisition unit with a prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on a charge amount; a calculation unit for calculating a first printable number of sheets in the first printing device based on the comparison by the comparison unit; and an allocation unit for allocating at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculation unit as a second printable number of sheets in a second printing device set up in a second location, and the second printing device can print based on the second printable number of sheets as a chargeable object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a printing system in one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the first printing device.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the second printing unit.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the second printing unit as seen from the back side.

[0010] Figure 5 A block diagram showing a printing system.

[0011] Figure 6 A block diagram showing the management section.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the allocation unit.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the allocation unit.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the allocation unit.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the allocation unit.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the allocation unit.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the allocation unit.

[0018] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing a management table.

[0019] Figure 14 This figure illustrates the burden of fluid consumption caused by recovery actions.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the method for distinguishing between personal use and business use.

[0021] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the method for distinguishing between personal use and business use.

[0022] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the method for distinguishing between personal use and business use.

[0023] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the method for distinguishing between personal use and business use.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 10: Printing system; 11: First printing device; 12: Main unit; 13: Printing unit; 14: Image reading unit; 14A: Document table; 15: Automatic document feeder; 15A: Document tray; 16: Input unit; 17: Display unit; 18: Media storage unit; 19: Discharge tray; 20: Control unit; 21: Print head; 22: Liquid cartridge; 23: Transport unit; 24: Maintenance unit; 25: Pump; 26: Communication unit; 30: Computer; 31: Management unit; 32: Counter; 33: Liquid consumption measuring unit; 34: Storage unit; 40: Main unit; 50: Information terminal; 51: Input unit; 52: Display unit; 53: Terminal control unit; 54: Communication unit; 60: Second printing unit; 61: Main unit; 62: Image reading unit (an example of a reading unit); 63: Cover; 64: Operation unit; 65: Display unit; 66: Paper cassette; 67: Second printing unit; 67A: Carriage; 67B: Print head; 68: Discharge tray; 69: Liquid storage unit; 69A: Storage unit; 69B: Cap; 70: Company server; 71: Server control unit; 72: Communication unit; 73: Authentication unit; 74: Attendance system; 80: Management terminal; 81: Input unit; 82: Display unit; 83: Management unit; 90: Service provider server; 91: Acquisition unit; 92: Comparison unit; 93: Calculation unit; 94: Allocation unit; 95: Conversion unit; 96: Judgment unit; 97: Inference unit; 98: Code generation unit; NW: Network; M: Medium; PD: Print data; CS: Command; PI: Print number management information; CT: Management table; PA1: First printable area; PA2: Second printable area; FA1: First print completion area; WP: In business; OW: Out of business; X: Width direction; Y: Depth direction; Z: Vertical direction; X1: Width direction; Y1: Conveying direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] An embodiment of a printing system will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a printing system 10 in which a printing device 11 is charged according to the amount of printing. Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 10 includes one or more first printing devices 11, one or more second printing devices 60, a company management terminal 80, and a company attendance system 74 (see Figure 5) company server 70. In addition, the printing system 10 may also include a service providing server 90 owned by a service providing company or agency that is the subject of the subscription contract. The first printing device 11 is, for example, an office printer set up in an office (company) as an example of the first location. In addition, the second printing device 60 is a home printer set up in a location other than the office as an example of the second location. In this embodiment, the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 60 are inkjet printers that eject ink as an example of a liquid onto a medium such as paper to perform printing. Since the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 60 are devices that eject liquids such as ink onto a medium such as paper, they can also be said to be liquid ejecting devices.

[0027] In this embodiment, the printing system 10 is configured to manage the consumption of liquids such as ink consumed by a first printing device 11 during printing, as well as the number of sheets printed. The printing system 10 includes the first printing device 11, an information terminal 50, a second printing device 60, a company server 70, a company management terminal 80, and a service provider server 90, all capable of communicating with each other via a network NW. The first printing device 11, the company server 70, and the company management terminal 80 are interconnected within the company via a LAN.

[0028] The first printing device 11 is an office printer of a company that has signed a subscription contract with a service company that manages the service providing server 90. Figure 2 ) ejects liquid such as ink to print on the medium M. Multiple main devices 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) is connected to the first printing device 11 in a communicative state via an in-house network formed by an in-house LAN. Multiple host devices 40 are installed in an office (company) serving as a first location. When employees working at the company use the first printing device 11 to print, the host device 40 outputs a print instruction to the first printing device 11. This print instruction is provided by outputting print data PD from the host device 40 to the first printing device 11.

[0029] The second printer 60 is connected to the network NW via an information terminal 50, such as a personal computer. The second printer 60 is a home printer owned by an employee of a company that has signed a subscription agreement with the service company, in their home, which serves as an example of a second location for their home office. Therefore, the second printer 60 is installed in the employee's home, which serves as the second location for their home office. It should be noted that the second location for the second printer 60 is not limited to the employee's home; it can also be a satellite office where the employee works from home.

[0030] The company server 70 manages the entire company system and includes an attendance system 74 for managing the company's attendance.

[0031] The management terminal 80 is an information terminal managed by the company and can access the first printing device 11 .

[0032] The service providing server 90 is managed by the manufacturer or sales company of the first printing device 11. The service providing server 90 is managed by the manufacturer or sales company that has a subscription contract with a customer company, etc. The subscription contract may also be signed with an agent of the manufacturer or the sales company.

[0033] It should be noted that Figure 1 While the example shows a customer leasing one first printing device 11 through a subscription contract, multiple first printing devices 11 can also be leased through a subscription contract. Furthermore, a subscription contract can be signed individually for each first printing device 11, or a single subscription contract can be signed for multiple first printing devices 11. The following description uses the example of a customer signing a subscription contract for one first printing device 11.

[0034] A plurality of information terminals 50 are connected to the network NW. The information terminals 50 are installed at home offices, such as homes or satellite offices (hereinafter referred to as "home offices, etc.") of employees of the client company. When an employee working from home (hereinafter referred to as a "homeworker") instructs the second printing device 60 to print, the information terminal 50 is used.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the management terminal 80 includes an input unit 81 and a display unit 82. A company manager can operate the management terminal 80 to access various information stored in the first printing device 11. The management terminal 80 instructs the first printing device 11, which has signed a subscription contract, to allocate a second printable number of sheets, which is a portion of the first printable number provided monthly, to the second printing device 60. Receiving this instruction, the first printing device 11 allocates the printable number by rewriting the print number management information PI (described later) stored in the storage unit 34. Note that this allocation result can also be transmitted from the first printing device 11 to the service provider server 90 via the network NW. Alternatively, the management terminal 80 can access the service provider server 90 and, by operating the input unit 81, allocate a portion of the first printable number of sheets from the first printing device 11 as the second printable number of sheets to the second printing device 60 via the service provider server 90. Furthermore, the management terminal 80 authenticates itself using an ID and password when accessing the first printing device 11 or the management terminal 80.

[0036] <Configuration of the First Printing Device 11>

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 2 The detailed structure of the first printing device 11 will be described. Figure 2 In FIG, the first printing device 11 is a device placed on a horizontal plane, the Z axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X axis and Y axis represent the direction along the horizontal plane. The X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are orthogonal to each other. Figure 2 , a direction parallel to the X-axis is referred to as a width direction X, a direction parallel to the Y-axis is referred to as a depth direction Y, and a direction parallel to the Z-axis is referred to as a vertical direction Z.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the first printing device 11 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral and has a scanning function for reading a document, a copying function for copying and printing a document, and a printing function for printing text or an image on a medium M.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the first printing device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 12. The first printing device 11 includes a printing unit 13, which is substantially entirely comprised of the main body 12, and an image reader 14, which is positioned above the printing unit 13. The image reader 14 reads an image of a document (not shown). The first printing device 11 includes an automatic document feeder 15 for conveying the document.

[0040] The automatic document feeder 15 feeds a document placed on a document tray 15A. The image reader 14 has a feeder-type reading function for reading a document fed by the automatic document feeder 15 and a flatbed-type reading function for reading a document placed on a document table 14A.

[0041] The first printing device 11 also includes an input unit 16 and a display unit 17. A user can instruct the first printing device 11 by operating the input unit 16. The display unit 17 may be, for example, a touch panel. In this case, the input unit 16 may also utilize the touch panel's operating functions. It should be noted that the input unit 16 may also be a mechanical switch.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the first printing device 11 includes a print head 21 for printing on a medium M, and a control unit 20 for controlling the print head 21. The print head 21 is, for example, a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid such as ink, which is an example of a printing agent. The control unit 20 provides overall control of the first printing device 11. In addition to the print head 21, the control unit 20 also controls the image reading unit 14, the automatic document feeder 15, the display unit 17, and other components.

[0043] The first printing device 11 includes a detachably mounted liquid cartridge 22. The liquid cartridge 22 contains liquids such as ink. The number of liquid cartridges 22 provided is equal to the number of colors printed by the printhead 21. Multiple liquid cartridges 22 contain liquids of various colors. It should be noted that a liquid tank such as an ink tank may be used in place of the liquid cartridge 22.

[0044] The print head 21 constitutes a part of the printing unit 13. The printing unit 13 includes a medium storage unit 18 such as a multi-layer cassette for storing media M such as paper, and a conveying unit 23 (see FIG. 2 ) for conveying the media M stored in the medium storage unit 18 one by one. Figure 5 ), and a discharge tray 19 that discharges the medium M printed by the print head 21. The print head 21 prints on the medium M by ejecting liquid such as ink supplied from a liquid cartridge 22 toward the medium M.

[0045] Figure 2 The printing unit 13 shown is a line printing type in which the print head 21 is composed of a line head. The printing unit 13 is not limited to the line printing type, and may be a serial printing type in which the print head 21 can move back and forth in the width direction of the medium M.

[0046] The control unit 20 of this embodiment manages the number of printed sheets, that is, the number of printed sheets generated by printing including copy printing by the first printing device 11. The first printing device 11 can print a specified number of sheets per month according to a subscription contract, for example.

[0047] <Configuration of the Second Printing Device 60>

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the second printing device 60 includes a main body 61 that is substantially in the shape of a square box. The second printing device 60 includes an image reading unit 62 on the upper side of the main body 61. The second printing device 60 includes an openable and closable cover 63 on the upper side of the main body 61. The image reading unit 62 opens and closes together with the cover 63. Figure 3 The main body 61 is opened and closed between a closed position shown and an open position in which the inside of the main body 61 is exposed.

[0049] The second printing device 60 includes an operation unit 64 and a display unit 65. The operation unit 64 is configured to be operable by a user. The display unit 65 displays various images. For example, the display unit 65 displays a menu screen and various message information.

[0050] The second printing device 60 includes a paper cassette 66 . The paper cassette 66 is provided at the bottom of the main body 61 . The paper cassette 66 is removably mounted on the main body 61 . The paper cassette 66 is configured to accommodate a plurality of media M, such as sheets of paper. The second printing device 60 prints on the media M fed from the paper cassette 66 .

[0051] The second printing device 60 includes a second printing unit 67. The second printing unit 67 prints on the medium M using a printing agent such as ink. The second printing unit 67 includes a movable carriage 67A and a print head 67B disposed below the carriage 67A. The print head 67B prints on the medium M as the carriage 67A reciprocates in a width direction X1 that intersects the conveyance direction Y1 of the medium M.

[0052] The second printing device 60 includes a discharge port 61A. The discharge port 61A opens on the front surface of the main body 61. The discharge port 61A discharges the printed medium M. The second printing device 60 includes a discharge tray 68. The discharge tray 68 is slidably provided on the front surface of the main body 61. The discharge tray 68 holds the printed medium M discharged from the discharge port 61A.

[0053] The second printing unit 60 also includes a liquid storage unit 69. The liquid storage unit 69 has multiple storage sections 69A for storing liquids such as ink, an example of a printing agent. In this example, the liquid storage unit 69 has the same number of storage sections 69A as the number of colors that the second printing unit 67 can print on the medium M. Each color of ink or other liquid is stored separately in each of the multiple storage sections 69A. The main body 61 has multiple windows on the front surface of the liquid storage section 69, allowing the user to visually confirm the amount of liquid in the storage section 69A.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, when the cover 63 is opened, the liquid storage portion 69 disposed in the main body 61 is exposed. The liquid storage portion 69 is configured such that each storage portion 69A (see Figure 3 ) is provided with an openable and closable cap 69B. When the amount of liquid in the storage section 69A becomes low, the user opens the cap 69B and inserts the supply portion (not shown) of the liquid bottle 100 into the supply port (not shown) of the storage section 69A to replenish the liquid such as ink from the liquid bottle 100 to the predetermined storage section 69A.

[0055] In the second printing device 60, if the printing agent, such as ink, that is to be supplied to the print head 67B runs out, the user supplies the printing agent to the second printing device 60. If the liquid supply source is a liquid tank, the liquid, such as ink, which is an example of the printing agent, is replenished from the liquid bottle 100. Furthermore, in the case of a printing device configured with a liquid cartridge, such as an ink cartridge, as the liquid supply source, the user replaces the liquid cartridge mounted on the second printing device 60. Therefore, before the second printing device 60 runs out of liquid, it is necessary to provide the user with, for example, a new liquid bottle 100 or liquid cartridge.

[0056] The same applies to the first printing device 11. Before the first printing device 11 runs out of liquid (empties), the company or the employee needs to prepare, for example, a new liquid cartridge 22 in advance.

[0057] According to the subscription agreement, a liquid supply source, such as a liquid cartridge 22, is delivered to the user before the first printing device 11 runs out of liquid. This liquid supply source is delivered by the service company that signed the subscription agreement. The service company manages the service provider server 90 of the company that signed the subscription agreement.

[0058] The service providing server 90 collects information on the consumption of printing agents such as ink in the first printing device 11 via the network NW. Based on this information, the service providing server 90 manages the number of new liquid supply sources owned by the company or user using the first printing device 11.

[0059] Based on information collected via the service provider server 90, the service company sends new liquid containers, such as liquid cartridges 22, to the company, ensuring that they reach the company before the first printing unit 11, for which the subscription agreement has been signed, runs out of liquid. Furthermore, if a portion of the first printable number of sheets of the first printing unit 11 is allocated to the second printing unit 60 as the second printable number of sheets, the service company then sends a new liquid supply source, such as a liquid bottle 100, to the user of the second printing unit 60 at the next scheduled time. Specifically, the service company sends a new liquid supply source, such as a liquid bottle 100, so that the liquid reaches the user of the second printing unit 60 before the amount of liquid in one liquid bottle 100 is consumed by printing the second printable number of sheets, which is the number of sheets printed out of the second printable number of sheets. Note that if the liquid supply source for the second printing unit 60 is a liquid cartridge, such as an ink cartridge, the service company sends the liquid cartridge as the liquid supply source to the user of the second printing unit 60.

[0060] <Electrical Configuration of Printing System>

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 5 The electrical configuration of the printing system 10 will be described.

[0062] The first printing device 11 includes a control unit 20, an input unit 16, a display unit 17, an image reader 14, and a printing unit 13. The printing unit 13 includes a print head 21, a transport unit 23, and a maintenance unit 24. The maintenance unit 24 includes a pump 25. The first printing device 11 also includes a communication unit 26. The control unit 20 is connected to the network NW via the communication unit 26.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, multiple host devices 40 are connected to a first printing device 11 via a LAN, such as an intranet local area network (LAN). A user (e.g., an employee) issues a printing instruction from a host device 40. At this time, print data PD is transmitted from the host device 40 to the first printing device 11. The print data PD includes print image data (including text or images to be printed) and user-specified printing conditions. Once the print data PD is input from the host device 40, the first printing device 11 controls the printing unit 13 via the control unit 20 to print text or images based on the print data PD on the medium M.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the information terminal 50 for the home office worker includes an input unit 51, a display unit 52, a terminal control unit 53, and a communication unit 54. The terminal control unit 53 controls the information terminal 50. The terminal control unit 53 is connected to the network NW via the communication unit 54.

[0065] in addition, Figure 5 The company server 70 shown includes a server control unit 71, a communication unit 72, and an authentication unit 73. The server control unit 71 provides overall control over the company server 70. Furthermore, the server control unit 71 is connected to the network NW via the communication unit 72. The authentication unit 73 performs authentication when the management terminal 80 accesses the first printing device 11. When an administrator accesses the first printing device 11 from the management terminal 80, they enter their ID and password. The authentication unit 73 performs authentication using the ID and password received from the management terminal 80. The server control unit 71 then permits the authenticated management terminal 80 to access the first printing device 11.

[0066] The control unit 20 of the first printing device 11 can allocate a portion of the printable number of sheets managed by the print number management information PI to the second printing device 60 as another printing device through access from the management terminal 80. The control unit 20 performs the allocation process based on the instruction from the management terminal 80. It should be noted that, as a replacement for or in addition to the management unit 31 provided by the control unit 20 of the first printing device 11, the management terminal 80 may also include a management unit 83 having the same function as the management unit 31. The management units 31 and 83 manage the print number management information PI (see Figure 7 wait).

[0067] Next, the configuration of the first printing device 11 will be described in detail. The user operates the input unit 16 to select one of print, scan, or copy from the menu screen of the display unit 17. In response to this selection, the display on the display unit 17 changes from the menu screen to a settings screen (not shown) where predetermined conditions, such as print, scan, and copy, can be entered. The user then instructs the first printing device 11 to print, scan, or copy by selecting the desired condition on the settings screen. The first printing device 11 then performs the requested print, scan, or copy based on the condition entered by the user.

[0068] Furthermore, once the company administrator enters their ID and password through the operation input unit 16 and is authenticated, they can access the print quantity management information PI stored in the storage unit 34 of the first printing device 11. Furthermore, the administrator can access the print quantity management information PI stored in the storage unit 34 of the first printing device 11 by operating the management terminal 80. The administrator accesses the print quantity management information PI to allocate the printable number of sheets to the second printing device 60.

[0069] The image reading unit 14 is controlled by the control unit 20 and reads a document. Furthermore, the printing unit 13 is controlled by the control unit 20 and ejects liquid droplets via the print head 21 onto the medium M being transported by the transport unit 23, thereby printing text, images, etc. on the medium M. For example, upon receiving a copy instruction, the control unit 20 causes the image reading unit 14 to read a document and the printing unit 13 to print an image of the read document on the medium M, thereby performing a copy.

[0070] The maintenance unit 24 is controlled by the control unit 20 and performs maintenance on the print head 21 when the maintenance period arrives. Maintenance includes flushing (empty discharge) in which droplets are ejected from all nozzles of the print head 21 to a predetermined location other than the medium M, and cleaning in which liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzles of the print head 21. The maintenance unit 24 cleans the print head 21. The maintenance unit 24 includes a cap (not shown) that can move to a covering position in contact with the nozzle surface of the nozzle opening of the print head 21 and a retreat position away from the nozzle surface. The maintenance unit 24 drives the pump 25 while the cap is in contact with the nozzle surface of the print head 21 to forcibly discharge the liquid from the nozzle.

[0071] It should be noted that the pump 25 is a suction pump connected to the cap, or a pressure pump that pressurizes the liquid in the flow path connected to the nozzle of the print head 21 from the upstream side. In the case where the pump 25 is a suction pump, a closed space connected to the nozzle is formed by the nozzle surface and the cap at the covering position where the cap contacts the nozzle surface. If the pump 25 is driven in this state, the closed space connected to the nozzle becomes a negative pressure, thereby forcibly sucking and discharging the liquid from the nozzle. In addition, in the case where the pump 25 is a pressure pump, if the pump 25 is driven, the liquid in the flow path connected to the nozzle is pressurized from the upstream side, thereby forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle. At this time, the cap may also be slightly away from the nozzle surface.

[0072] The control unit 20 includes a computer 30 . The computer 30 is composed of, for example, a microprocessor. The computer 30 includes a management unit 31 , a counter 32 , a liquid consumption measurement unit 33 , and a storage unit 34 .

[0073] At least one of the management unit 31, the counter 32, and the liquid consumption measuring unit 33 may be implemented by software by the computer 30 executing a program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 34. Alternatively, at least one of the management unit 31, the counter 32, and the liquid consumption measuring unit 33 may be implemented by hardware.

[0074] The counter 32 counts the number of printed sheets. A plurality of counters 32 are provided. The control unit 20 causes the plurality of counters 32 to count the number of printed sheets by the first printing device 11 and the number of printed sheets by the second printing device 60. The count value of each counter 32 indicates the number of printed sheets.

[0075] The liquid consumption measurement unit 33 measures the liquid consumption per sheet by totaling the amount of liquid droplets of each ink color counted by a plurality of color counters based on print image data of one sheet (one page) included in the print data PD.

[0076] The control unit 20 causes the liquid consumption measuring unit 33 to measure the liquid consumption (ink consumption) of each sheet based on the print data PD. The liquid consumption measuring unit 33 measures the liquid consumption, which is the amount of liquid (ink) consumed to print one sheet. The liquid consumption measuring unit 33 also measures the liquid consumption of liquid (ink) consumed when performing recovery actions such as maintenance. For example, the liquid consumption measuring unit 33 includes a plurality of color counters, each of which counts the number of droplets of each ink color based on the print image data of each color constituting the print data PD. For example, the print head 21 may be configured to form multiple grayscale dots by separately ejecting droplets according to a plurality of dot sizes. In this case, the color counter may also be configured to count the number of dots according to the dot size.

[0077] The storage unit 34 stores print quantity management information PI and a management table CT. The computer 30 controls the first printing device 11 and manages the print quantity management information PI.

[0078] The printing system 10 of this embodiment includes an input unit 16 of a first printing device 11 (see Figure 5 ) and the input unit 81 of the management terminal 80 (refer to Figure 1 ), as a change Figure 7 The print quantity management information PI shown is a method for managing print quantity management information PI. By operating the input unit 16 of the first printing device 11, the administrator can access the print quantity management information PI stored in the storage unit 34 and allocate the printable number of sheets. Alternatively, by operating the input unit 81 of the management terminal 80, the administrator can remotely access the print quantity management information PI stored in the storage unit 34 of the first printing device 11 and allocate the printable number of sheets. In this embodiment, a portion of the printable number of sheets of the first printing device 11 can be allocated to the second printing device 60.

[0079] The control unit 20 can receive a command CS for changing the print quantity management information PI from the management terminal 80 or the input unit 16. Upon receiving the command CS for changing the allocation, the control unit 20 changes the values ​​of the first printable number of sheets, which is the number of sheets that can be printed by the first printer 11, and the second printable number of sheets, which is the number of sheets that can be printed by the second printer 60, in the print quantity management information PI to the commanded values.

[0080] The control unit 20 manages the number of printed sheets within the range of the liquid consumption per sheet in the printing performed by ejecting liquid from the print head 21 onto the medium M. The liquid in this example is, for example, ink. That is, the control unit 20 manages the number of printed sheets in the printing performed by ejecting ink from the print head 21. Specifically, the control unit 20 accesses the print sheet number management information PI stored in the storage unit 34 (see Figure 7 The printable number of sheets is updated by subtracting the number of printed sheets from the printable number of sheets. Here, the printable number of sheets is the remaining printable number obtained by subtracting the number of printed sheets that have already been printed in the current month from the specified number of printable sheets that can be printed each month. Thus, the printable number of sheets is gradually updated.

[0081] The print quantity management information PI includes the maximum number of sheets that can be printed per month by the first printing device 11 (i.e., the specified print quantity), the number of sheets printed, and the printable number of sheets obtained by subtracting the print quantity from the specified print quantity. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the print quantity management information PI includes the printable number of sheets allocated to the second printing device 60.

[0082] It should be noted that the print number management information PI may also be information for managing the number of prints according to the range of liquid consumption (e.g., ink consumption) per sheet. Furthermore, the print number management information PI may also be information such that the amount (unit price) per sheet is different according to the range of liquid consumption. In this case, the control unit 20 measures the liquid consumption per sheet through the liquid consumption measuring unit 33. The control unit 20 limits the range based on the measured liquid consumption per sheet, and counts up the number of prints within the limited range through the counter 32. For example, the liquid consumption per sheet is divided into three ranges: low (Low), medium (Mid), and high (High). If the unit price of low (Low) is set to A yen / sheet, the unit price of medium (Mid) is set to B yen / sheet, and the unit price of high (High) is set to C yen / sheet, then the relationship A<B<C exists. The prescribed number of prints is set according to the monthly charge amount. Even with this fixed-quota printing service, if the home office worker does not print using the first printing device 11, the printing costs will become higher than the monthly fee. Therefore, a portion of the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 can be allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets, thereby eliminating the relatively high printing costs. It should be noted that the specified print number is the upper limit of the print number determined monthly. Under this print number management information PI, a configuration can also be provided that allows the printable number to be allocated from the first printing device 11 to the second printing device 60. It should be noted that the number of ranges is not limited to three and can also be two or four.

[0083] <Composition of the Management Department>

[0084] First, refer to Figure 6 The configurations of the management units 31 and 83 will be described. Note that the management units 31 and 83 have basically the same configuration, so the management unit 31 will be described here.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, the management unit 31 includes an acquisition unit 91 , a comparison unit 92 , a calculation unit 93 , an allocation unit 94 , a conversion unit 95 , a determination unit 96 , an estimation unit 97 , and a code generation unit 98 .

[0086] The acquisition unit 91 acquires the number of printed sheets in the first printing device 11 installed at the first location. The number of printed sheets is the number of sheets that have already been printed in the first printing device 11.

[0087] The comparison unit 92 compares the number of prints acquired by the acquisition unit 91 with a predetermined number of prints determined based on the charge amount. Here, the predetermined number of prints is the upper limit of the number of prints determined monthly.

[0088] The calculation unit 93 calculates the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 based on the comparison performed by the comparison unit 92 .

[0089] The allocating unit 94 allocates at least part of the first printable number calculated by the calculating unit 93 as the second printable number to the second printing device 60 installed at the second location. The second printing device 60 prints based on the second printable number.

[0090] The second printable number of sheets allocated from the first printable number of sheets may be transmitted to the second printing device via a server.

[0091] Alternatively, the USB memory 57 (see Figure 15 ) or QR code (registered trademark). When using a QR code, the second printing device 60 reads the QR code printed by the first printing device 11 to introduce the allocated second printable number of sheets into the second printing device 60.

[0092] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the management unit 31 may also include a conversion unit 95 that converts between the various printable numbers when allocating at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets to the second printable number of sheets. The conversion unit 95 converts between the various printable numbers of sheets based on the print information of the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 60. Alternatively, the printing cost per sheet of media may be used as the print information.

[0093] And, as Figure 6 As shown, the management unit 31 may also include a determination unit 96 that determines whether the printed material printed by the second printing device 60 is a business-use printed material or a private-use printed material. If the print determination unit 96 determines that the printed material is a business-use printed material, the calculation unit 93 subtracts the number of printed business-use printed materials from the second printable number of sheets. If the print determination unit 96 determines that the printed material is a private-use printed material, the calculation unit 93 does not subtract the number from the second printable number of sheets.

[0094] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the management unit 31 includes an estimation unit 97 that estimates the amount of printing agent used by the second printing unit 60 based on the number of business-use printed materials printed by the second printing unit 60. When the amount of printing agent used estimated by the estimation unit 97 reaches a predetermined value, a request is made to supply printing agent in that amount. Here, the predetermined value is the amount of printing agent required to fill one bottle or one box.

[0095] The second printing device 60 is an inkjet printing device that prints by ejecting ink. If the recovery operation performed by the second printing device 60 is determined to be related to business-related printed materials, the amount of printing agent used in the recovery operation is added to the used printing agent amount. Here, the recovery operation includes the operation of restoring nozzle blockage in the print head 21, i.e., a cleaning operation. The recovery operation of adding the amount of printing agent to the used printing agent amount may be a cleaning operation alone, or both a cleaning operation and a flushing operation. The recovery operation of adding the amount of printing agent to the used printing agent amount may also be a flushing operation alone.

[0096] The allocating unit 94 can allocate at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11. If the first printable number of sheets is determined to be below a predetermined value, the allocating unit 94 allocates the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets. In other words, the allocating unit 94 allocates at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets, thereby restoring the first printable number of sheets to its original value.

[0097] The printing system 10 includes a code generator 98 that generates the second printable number of sheets as a code, and an image reader 62, provided in the second printing device 60 and serving as an example of a reader that reads the code. The image reader 62 reads the code, and the second printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printing device 60. In this embodiment, the image reader 62 of the second printing device 60 is used as an example of a reader, but the second printing device 60 may also include a code reader. Alternatively, the reader may be an external device connected to the second printing device 60.

[0098] The code holds the device information of the second printing device 60. When the code is read by the image reader 62, if the second printing device 60 does not match the device information, the second printable number of sheets is not allocated to the second printing device 60. The device information may also include a model, a manufacturing code, or the like.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the print number management information PI includes the prescribed print number determined every month. Figure 7 In the example, the specified number of prints is recorded as 100%. Figure 7 In the example, "10,000 sheets" is allocated as the maximum number of printable sheets determined per month, that is, the prescribed number of print sheets. Since the first printing device 11 is an office printer, the printing cost is 1 yen per sheet. Figure 7 In the example, the first printable area PA1 corresponds to a predetermined number of printed sheets.

[0100] like Figure 8The distribution unit 94 distributes 4,000 of the specified print quantity of the first printing device 11 to the second printing device 60. Since the second printing device 60 is a home printer, the printing cost is 2 yen per sheet. Therefore, the 4,000 sheets in the first printing device 11 are equivalent to the 2,000 sheets in the second printing device 60. Figure 7 The print quantity management information PI shown in the figure allocates 6,000 sheets to the first printing device 11 and 2,000 sheets to the second printing device 60. In other words, if the specified print quantity of 10,000 sheets is set as 100%, 60% is allocated to the first printing device 11 and 40% is allocated to the second printing device 60. Figure 8 , the first printable area PA1 corresponds to 60% and the second printable area PA2 corresponds to 40%.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG, regarding the print quantity management information PI, a portion of the 2000 sheets allocated to the second printing device 60 can be allocated as the printable sheets of the first printing device 11. That is, in this embodiment, all or a portion of the printable sheets allocated to the second printing device 60 can be restored to the original first printing device 11. Figure 9 , the first printable area PA1 increases by 10% from 60% to 70%, and the second printable area PA2 decreases by 10% from 40% to 30%.

[0102] In addition, if Figure 10 As shown, when the printable number of sheets of the first printing device 11 is below a predetermined value, the allocation unit 94 may be configured to allocate at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets in the second printing device 60 as the first printable number of sheets to the first printing device 11.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown, it is assumed that after a portion of the first printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets, as in Figure 10 As shown by the first printing completion area FA1, the number of printed sheets, that is, the first number of printed sheets, has increased. In this case, the first printable number of sheets (area PA1) in the first printing device 11 becomes less than the predetermined value. In this way, the allocation unit 94 will allocate a part of the second printable number of sheets (area PA2) in the second printing device 60 as the first printable number of sheets to the first printing device 11. In other words, the allocation unit 94 restores a part of the second printable number of sheets in the second printing device 60 to the first printing device 11 as the first printable number of sheets. Figure 11In the example, the first printable number of sheets (area PA1) increases by 10% from 20% to 30%, and the second printable number of sheets (area PA2) decreases by 10% from 40% to 30%.

[0104] In addition, if Figure 12 As shown, when a part of the printable number of sheets of the first printing device 11 is allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets, Figure 12 The number of printed sheets indicated by the first print completed area FA1, i.e., the first number of printed sheets, has reached 40%. In this case, the first number of printable sheets in the first printing device 11 indicated by the first printable area PA1 becomes less than the predetermined value. As a result, the allocating unit 94 limits the number of printable sheets allocated from the first printing device 11 to the second printing device 60. Specifically, the upper limit of the allocation from the first printing device 11 to the second printing device 60 is set to be less than the predetermined value. Therefore, Figure 12 In the example, the number of sheets that can be allocated to the second printing device 60 out of the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 is limited to less than half. Therefore, of the first printable number of sheets "6000 sheets", a maximum of half "3000 sheets" can be allocated to the second printing device 60. As a result, 1500 sheets are allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets. Figure 12 Even if 30% is allocated to the second printable number of sheets (area PA2), 30% of the first printable area PA1 (area PA1) remains.

[0105] Figure 13 The management table CT shown is stored in the storage unit 34 of the first printing device 11. The management table CT is reference data that defines the on / off conditions for allocating the number of printable sheets, the cost of recovery operations, and the storage of print data PD. The control unit 20 refers to the management table CT to determine the on / off conditions for allocating the number of printable sheets, the on / off switching of the cost of printing media consumed during the recovery operation between office and home office users, and the on / off switching of the storage of print data PD, depending on whether the printer is operating during business hours or not.

[0106] That is, as Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 20 sets the allocation of printable sheets to ON for on-the-job users and OFF for off-the-job users. The cost of printing agents consumed during the recovery operation is borne by the company for on-the-job users and by the home office for off-the-job users. Furthermore, when printing on the second printer 60, the control unit 20 copies the print data PD to the company server 70 for on-the-job users, but does not copy or store the print data PD for off-the-job users.

[0107] like Figure 14As shown, for example, the allocation unit 94 constituting the management unit 31 determines whether it is a WP in business or an OW outside of business based on the attendance system 74. Furthermore, when performing a recovery action, the expense burden of the printing agent consumed in the recovery action is switched between the company and the home office worker, corresponding to whether it is a WP in business or an OW outside of business. In detail, if the recovery action is performed in the OW outside of business, its expense is set as the burden of the home office worker, and if the recovery action is performed in the WP in business, its expense is set as the burden of the company. In addition, in this embodiment, the second printing device 60 performs a recovery action at the end of the business at the company's expense. That is, the blockage of the nozzle caused by the printing of the WP in business is eliminated by performing a recovery action at the end of the business at the company's expense. Therefore, in a state where the cause of the nozzle blockage is cleared by the recovery action, the OW outside of business is handed over to the user who bears the expense of the printing agent.

[0108] <Switching between Personal Use and Business Use of the Second Printing Device 60>

[0109] The following describes a configuration example for switching between personal use and business use of the second printing device 60. This configuration example includes four examples, namely the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment. The four embodiments are described below in order.

[0110] exist Figure 15 In the first embodiment shown, upon receiving a print instruction from the information terminal 50, the management unit 31, 83 determines whether the home office worker is currently working (within business hours). If the home office worker is currently working, the second printing device 60 prints on the medium M for personal use. Alternatively, if the home office worker is currently working, the second printing device 60 prints on the medium M for business use. The management unit 31, 83 accesses the attendance system 74 of the company server 70 to determine whether the home office worker is currently working or not based on their attendance information. Furthermore, when the second printing device 60 is printing for business use, the print data PD is copied to the company server 70.

[0111] exist Figure 16 In the second embodiment shown, a normal driver and a business driver are installed as print drivers in the information terminal 50. Upon receiving a print instruction from the information terminal 50, the management unit 31, 83 determines the print driver. If the print driver is a normal driver, it is determined to be for personal use (off-business use). If the print driver is a business driver, it is determined to be for business use (on-business use). If it is for business use, the print data PD is copied to the company server 70.

[0112] exist Figure 17In the third embodiment shown, a home worker uses a personal information terminal 50A and a company-side information terminal 50B borrowed or issued from a company in a second location, such as their own home. The personal information terminal 50A and the company-side information terminal 50B have different MAC addresses. When a printing instruction is received from one of the information terminals 50A and 50B, the MAC address is determined. If the MAC address is an unregistered address, the management unit 31 or 83 determines that the information is for personal use. The second printing device 60 prints on the medium M for personal use. On the other hand, if the MAC address is a registered address, the information is determined to be for business use. The second printing device 60 prints on the medium M for business use. When printing for business use, the print data PD is copied to the company server 70. Although the information terminals 50A and 50B may be personal computers or other similar devices, portable information terminals 56A and 56B, such as smartphones, may also be used in addition to or in place of at least one of them. When a print instruction is received from a personal portable information terminal 56A or a company portable information terminal 56B, personal printing or business printing is selected based on the result of the MAC address determination.

[0113] exist Figure 18 In the fourth embodiment shown, a home worker, when printing on a second printer 60 for business purposes, connects a USB memory 57 brought back from work to the second printer 60. This USB memory 57 stores a code associated with the second printable number of sheets assigned to the second printer 60. Once a print instruction is received from the information terminal 50, business-use printing can be performed within the second printable number of sheets obtained from the code. For business-use printing, the print data PD is copied to the company server 70.

[0114] <Effects of implementation methods>

[0115] Next, the operation of the printing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0116] In the printing system 10 of this embodiment, a portion of the first printable quantity of a first printing device 11 located in an office (a first location) can be allocated to the second printable quantity of a second printing device 60 located in the home of a home worker (a second location). This allocation is performed, for example, by a company administrator. For example, upon receiving a request for allocation of printable quantity from the home worker, the administrator uses the management terminal 80 to access the first printing device 11. In this case, the management terminal 80 can access the first printing device 11 either through the service provider server 90 or directly via the company's internal network.

[0117] The allocation of a portion of the first printable number of sheets to the second printing apparatus 60 as the second printable number of sheets is performed by the management unit 31 of the first printing apparatus 11 or the management unit 83 of the management terminal 80 .

[0118] First, the acquisition unit 91 acquires the number of printed sheets in the first printing device 11 installed at the first location. Figure 7 As shown, at the beginning of the month, the number of printed sheets for that month is "0".

[0119] Next, the comparing unit 92 compares the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquiring unit 91 with the prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on the charge amount. Figure 7 As shown, in the first printing device 11 , 10,000 sheets are allocated as a prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on the monthly fixed charge amount.

[0120] Next, the calculation unit 93 calculates the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 based on the comparison performed by the comparison unit 92. For example, at the beginning of the month, since the number of printed sheets for that month is "0," the printable number of sheets "10,000" is calculated by subtracting the number of printed sheets "0" from the specified number of printed sheets "10,000." Note that since the first printing device 11 is an office printer, the printing cost is 1 yen per sheet (1 yen / sheet).

[0121] Next, the allocating unit 94 allocates at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculating unit 93 as the second printable number of sheets in the second printing device 60 installed in the second location. Figure 8 In the example, 4000 sheets, which is 40% of the printable number of 10,000 sheets, are allocated to the second printing device 60. However, since the second printing device 60 is a home printer, the printing cost is 2 yen per sheet (2 yen / sheet).

[0122] Therefore, when allocating at least a part of the first printable number of sheets to the second printable number of sheets, the conversion unit 95 performs conversion between the printable numbers of sheets. The conversion unit 95 performs conversion between the printable numbers of sheets based on the printing information of the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 60. Here, the printing information is information related to the printing costs of the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 60. In this example, the printing cost of each sheet of media is used as the printing information. Specifically, the printing information is information such that the printing cost of the first printing device 11 is 1 yen / sheet and the printing cost of the second printing device 60 is 2 yen / sheet. Therefore, the conversion unit 95 converts a part of the first printable number of sheets of the first printing device 11, that is, 4,000 sheets, by the printing cost of the second printing device 60, that is, the unit price of each sheet, "2 yen / sheet", into the second printable number of sheets "2,000 sheets". In this way, as Figure 8 As shown, for example, "4000 sheets" of the first printable number of sheets is allocated as the second printable number of sheets "2000 sheets" to the second printing device 60. In this way, the second printing device 60 performs printing based on the second printable number of sheets.

[0123] Furthermore, after allocating the second printable number of sheets to the second printing device 60, the allocating unit 94 can allocate at least a portion of the allocated second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11. In other words, at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets allocated to the second printing device 60 can be restored to the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11. For example, if it is determined that the first printable number of sheets is below a predetermined value, the allocating unit 94 can allocate the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets.

[0124] For example, Figure 10 As shown, after the second printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printing device 60, Figure 10 The first number of printed sheets indicated by the first printed completed area FA1 in the image increases, and as a result, the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 becomes less than the predetermined value. In this way, the allocation unit 94 allocates at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets in the second printing device 60 to the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11. In other words, if the first printable number of sheets becomes less than the predetermined value, the allocation unit 94 restores at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets. Figure 11 In the example shown, 500 sheets of the second printable number of 2000 sheets are allocated to the first printable number of 1000 sheets. As a result, the first printable number of sheets increases from 2000 sheets to 3000 sheets by increasing by 10% from 20%.

[0125] Furthermore, once printing has begun in the first printing device 11, the allocating unit 94 subtracts the number of printed sheets, i.e., the first printable number, from the first printable number. Consequently, if the first printable number falls below a predetermined value, the allocating unit 94 may limit the number of sheets allocated to the second printing device 60 by using at least a portion of the first printable number as the second printable number.

[0126] For example, Figure 12 As shown, if the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 becomes less than a predetermined value, the allocating unit 94 limits the number of sheets allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets. Figure 12 In the example shown, the number of sheets that can be allocated from the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 is limited to less than half. Therefore, 3000 sheets, equivalent to half of the first printable number of sheets (6000 sheets), are allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets. Consequently, the 1500 sheets converted by the conversion unit 95 are allocated to the second printing device 60 as the second printable number of sheets. By limiting the second printable number of sheets that can be allocated, an excessive decrease in the first printable number of sheets is suppressed.

[0127] The second printable number of sheets allocated from the first printable number of sheets may be transmitted to the second printing device 60 via the company server 70 or the service provider server 90. In this case, the second printable number of sheets may be transmitted to the second printing device 60 via the information terminal 50. Alternatively, information about the second printable number of sheets may be transmitted to the information terminal 50. In this case, the print driver or print management tool installed in the information terminal 50 may also manage the first printable number of sheets.

[0128] Alternatively, the code for the second printable number of sheets can be transferred via a USB memory 57 or the like. Specifically, a home worker can store the code for the second printable number of sheets in the USB memory 57, take the USB memory 57 to a second location such as home, and connect the USB memory 57 to the second printing device 60. In this way, the second printable number of sheets allocated to the second printing device 60 is transferred to the second printing device 60.

[0129] The code generator 98 generates the second printable number of sheets as a code. The reader provided in the second printing device 60 reads the code. The code is read by the reader, and the second printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printing device 60. For example, when a QR code is used as the code, the image reader 62 of the second printing device 60 reads the QR code printed on the medium M by the first printing device 11, and the information about the allocated second printable number of sheets is then transferred to the second printing device 60.

[0130] However, the code contains the device information of the second printer 60. When the code is read by the reader, if the second printer 60 does not match the device information, the second printable number of sheets is not allocated to the second printer 60. Therefore, even if the code is lost, there is no possibility of misuse by others.

[0131] In this manner, if the second printable number of sheets is set to the second printer 60, the home worker can output a print instruction to the second printer 60 from the information terminal 50. Since the second printer 60 is located in a second location, such as a home, it may be used by the home worker for personal printing. Therefore, the determination unit 96 determines whether the printed material printed by the second printer 60 is for business use or personal use.

[0132] If the print pass determination unit 96 determines that the printed material is a business print, the number of printed business prints is subtracted from the second printable number of sheets. On the other hand, if the print pass determination unit 96 determines that the printed material is a private print, the number of printed business prints is not subtracted from the second printable number of sheets.

[0133] The determination unit 96 determines whether the printing is for personal use or for business use by using any of the methods shown in the following four embodiments. Figures 15 to 18 Four embodiments will be described in order.

[0134] (First embodiment)

[0135] like Figure 15 As shown, a homeworker issues a print instruction from an information terminal 50. This print instruction is transmitted via the network NW to the first printer 11 or the management terminal 80. Upon receiving the print instruction, the management unit 31 of the first printer 11 or the management unit 83 of the management terminal 80 limits the homeworker based on the restriction information included in the print instruction. The management unit 31 or 83 then accesses the attendance system 74 of the company server 70 to determine whether the homeworker is working during or outside business hours based on the attendance information. The management unit 31 or 83 then transmits the determination result to the information terminal 50 or the second printer 60. If the determination result indicates that the homeworker is working outside business hours, the information terminal 50 or the second printer 60 instructs the second printer 60 to print the contents of the print instruction on the medium M for personal use. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the homeworker is working during business hours, the second printer 60 instructs the second printer 60 to print the contents of the print instruction on the medium M for business use.

[0136] A management tool is installed on the information terminal 50. Attendance information is queried using the management tool installed on the second printer 60 when a printing instruction is issued. It should be noted that since it is impossible to determine whether the work is in progress without transmitting the printing instruction to the first printer 11 or the management terminal 80 via the network NW, the printing instruction is sent to the second printer 60 as personal use.

[0137] At this time, the information terminal 50 or the second printing device 60 copies the print data PD and transmits the copied print data PD to the company server 70. Furthermore, the information terminal 50 or the second printing device 60 transmits print quantity information regarding the number of sheets printed by the home office user for business use to the management unit 31 or 83. The company server 70 receives the print data PD when the home office user prints for business use. The company server 70 stores the received print data PD in a storage unit (not shown). Therefore, all print data PD for business use is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the company server 70.

[0138] Furthermore, upon receiving information on the number of sheets printed by the second printing device 60 for business use, the management unit 31 or 83 subtracts the number of sheets printed based on the information from the second printable number of sheets for the second printing device 60. The management unit 31 or 83 then performs a counting process by adding the information to the second print number.

[0139] (Second embodiment)

[0140] like Figure 16 As shown, the home office worker issues a printing instruction from the information terminal 50. This printing instruction is input to the first printing device 11 or the management terminal 80 via the network NW. The information terminal 50 is equipped with a normal driver and a business driver as printing drivers. In other words, the home office worker installs a business driver, which is different from the normal driver, as a printing driver in his or her second printing device 60. In addition, the home office worker accesses the company server 70 or the service provider server 90 from the information terminal 50 to install the business driver. In this case, a management tool can also be installed together with the business driver. This management tool is software that has the function of determining whether the printing driver outputting the print data PD is a normal driver or a business driver.

[0141] If the print driver that is the output source of the print data PD is a normal driver, the information terminal 50 determines that it is for personal use (outside of business), and if it is a business driver, it is determined to be for business use (in business). In the case of personal use, the second printing device 60 prints the contents of the print instruction on the medium M. On the other hand, in the case of business use, the second printing device 60 prints the contents of the print instruction on the medium M and transmits the print number information and the copied print data PD to the company. Specifically, the print number information is transmitted to the first printing device 11 or the management terminal 80, and the print number limited by the print number information is subtracted from the second printable number of sheets. In addition, the copied print data PD is copied to the company server 70 by being transmitted to the company server 70. Therefore, the print data PD for business use is stored in the storage unit of the company server 70 (not shown). It should be noted that the management tool can also be installed on the second printing device 60. In this case, the print data PD and the print number information are transmitted from the second printing device 60.

[0142] (Third embodiment)

[0143] like Figure 17 As shown, a home worker issues a print instruction from either a personal information terminal 50A or a company-side information terminal 50B borrowed or issued from the company. Specifically, if the home worker is using the device for personal use, the print instruction is output from personal information terminal 50A. Alternatively, if the device is used for business purposes, the home worker outputs the print instruction from company-side information terminal 50B. This print instruction is transmitted via network NW to the first printer 11 or management terminal 80. The management unit 31 or 83 obtains the MAC address of the information terminal 50 that transmitted the print instruction. The management unit 31 or 83 pre-registers the MAC address of the information terminal 50 used for business purposes. The management unit 31 or 83 determines whether the obtained MAC address is a registered address for business use. If the MAC address is not a registered address, the user is determined to be using the device for personal use. If the MAC address is a registered address, the user is determined to be using the device for business purposes. This determination result information is transmitted from the first printer 11 or management terminal 80 at the first location to the information terminal 50 or second printer 60 at the second location. The information terminal 50 or the second printer 60 then prints the document for either personal use or business use based on the determination result. Similar to the first embodiment, in the case of business use, the second printer 60 prints the contents of the print instruction onto the medium M, transmits the copied print data PD to the company server 70, and transmits the print count information to the management terminal 80 or the first printer 11. It should be noted that the MAC address can also be determined by a management tool installed on the information terminal 50 or the second printer 60.

[0144] (Fourth embodiment)

[0145] like Figure 18 As shown, the home worker issues a printing instruction from a personal information terminal 50. In this fourth embodiment, when the first printer 11 allocates a portion of the printable number of sheets to the second printer 60, a USB memory 57 is connected to the first printer 11 or the management terminal 80. The first printer 11 or the management terminal 80 then stores a code in the USB memory 57. The home worker picks up the USB memory 57 at the company and takes it home. When the home worker uses the second printer 60 for business purposes, the USB memory 57 is connected to the second printer 60. The code stored in the USB memory 57 includes a code related to the second printable number of sheets and a code permitting printing for business purposes.

[0146] Therefore, if a print instruction is output from the information terminal 50 without connecting the USB memory 57 to the second printer 60, the second printer 60 prints the contents of the print instruction on the medium M for personal use. Alternatively, if a print instruction is output from the information terminal 50 with the USB memory 57 connected to the second printer 60, the second printer 60 prints the contents of the print instruction on the medium M for business use. When printing for business use, information on the number of copies printed is transmitted from the information terminal 50 or second printer 60 at the second location to the first printer 11 or management terminal 80 at the first location. Furthermore, the copied print data PD is transmitted from the information terminal 50 or second printer 60 at the second location to the company server 70.

[0147] <About Printing Material Delivery Request>

[0148] Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the amount of liquid (e.g., ink) as an example of printing agent in a second printer 60, acting as a home printer, is monitored. When the amount of printing agent used for business purposes is nearly depleted, the amount of printing agent used for business purposes is delivered to a second location, such as the home office. Specifically, when the amount of printing agent used estimated by the estimation unit 97 reaches a predetermined value, a request is made to deliver the printing agent for that amount of printing agent used. Here, the predetermined value is the amount used equivalent to one bottle or one cartridge. The control unit of the second printer 60 includes a liquid consumption measuring unit having the same function as the liquid consumption measuring unit 33 of the first printer 11. The liquid consumption measuring unit measures the amount of liquid consumed by the second printer 60 during printing and recovery operations. Furthermore, when the cumulative amount of liquid consumed for business printing reaches a predetermined value, a request is made to deliver one bottle or one cartridge of printing agent (e.g., ink) to a second location, such as the home office worker's home. This request is made to the service provider server 90 by any of the second printer 60, the information terminal 50, the management terminal 80, and the first printer 11.

[0149] Because the second printing device 60 is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, it performs a recovery operation to prevent or eliminate nozzle clogging in the print head 67B. If the recovery operation performed by the second printing device 60 is determined to be related to business-related printed materials, the amount of printing agent used in the recovery operation can be added to the printing agent usage. In this case, when the additional printing agent usage reaches a predetermined value, a request is made to provide the printing agent used in the amount of printing agent used. In this way, if the cumulative amount of liquid consumed during business-related printing and recovery operations reaches a predetermined value, printing agent can be delivered to the home of the person working from home. This can prevent the second printing device 60 from being unable to print due to a lack of a fresh liquid supply source on hand.

[0150] The effects of this embodiment will be described below.

[0151] (1) The printing system 10 includes an acquisition unit 91, a comparison unit 92, a calculation unit 93, and an allocation unit 94. The acquisition unit 91 acquires the number of printed sheets in the first printing device 11 installed at the first location. The comparison unit 92 compares the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquisition unit 91 with a prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on a charge amount. The calculation unit 93 calculates a first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11 based on the comparison by the comparison unit 92. The allocation unit 94 allocates at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculation unit 93 to a second printable number of sheets in the second printing device 60 installed at the second location. The second printing device 6 can print based on the second printable number of sheets as a chargeable object. According to this configuration, in a fixed-price printing service, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the monthly fee will increase relative to the number of printed sheets when the number of printed sheets in the office decreases due to working from home, etc.

[0152] (2) The printing system 10 includes a conversion unit 95 that converts between the various printable numbers of sheets when allocating at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets to the second printable number of sheets. The conversion unit 95 converts between the various printable numbers of sheets based on the printing information of the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 60. According to this configuration, since the cost of printing is different for each printing device, the possibility of a significant reduction in the specified number of sheets can be reduced by converting the printable number of sheets according to the device. In addition, the user can be spared the trouble of allocating the printable number of sheets according to the device while considering the different costs of printing for each of the printing devices 11 and 60. In addition, the situation in which the printing cost becomes too high relative to the monthly fee when allocating the printable number of sheets without conversion can be avoided.

[0153] (3) Using the printing cost per sheet of media as printing information. This configuration reduces the possibility of a significant reduction in the specified number of sheets by converting the number of sheets that can be printed per device, since the printing costs vary between printers. Furthermore, this configuration avoids the user having to allocate the number of sheets that can be printed per device while taking into account the different printing costs. Furthermore, this configuration avoids the situation where the printing cost becomes excessive relative to the monthly fee, which would otherwise occur if the number of sheets that can be printed were allocated without conversion.

[0154] (4) The printing system 10 includes a determination unit 96 that determines whether the printed material printed by the second printing device 60 is a business-use printed material or a private-use printed material. When the printed material is determined by the determination unit 96 to be a business-use printed material, the number of printed business-use printed materials is subtracted from the second printable number of sheets. Furthermore, when the printed material is determined by the determination unit 96 to be a private-use printed material, the number of printed sheets is not subtracted from the second printable number of sheets. With this configuration, since the printable number of sheets is subtracted only when the user performs business printing, the printable number of sheets is not subtracted for private-use printing, which can reduce the disadvantages faced by companies that have signed contracts with service providers that provide fixed-price printing services.

[0155] (5) The printing system 10 includes an estimation unit 97 that estimates the amount of printing agent used in the second printing device 60 based on the number of business-use printed materials printed by the second printing device 60. According to this configuration, it is possible to estimate how much printing agent (such as ink, etc.) is used in private printing and business-use printing. For example, according to a subscription contract, the subscription service provider must supply ink for printed materials within a specified number of sheets. In this case, there is a possibility that the second printing device 60 is used for printing for personal use. Since printing for personal use is printing outside the subscription contract, it is necessary to provide the user with only the printing agent used for printing for business use. Here, since the amount of printing agent used for printing for business use can be estimated, the required amount of printing agent can be provided to the user.

[0156] (6) When the estimated amount of printing agent used by the estimation unit 97 reaches a predetermined amount, a predetermined amount of printing agent is requested. This configuration reduces the possibility of the user running out of printing agent and prevents the user from being supplied with excessive printing agent.

[0157] (7) The second printing device 60 is an inkjet printing device that prints by ejecting ink. If the recovery operation performed by the second printing device 60 is determined to be a recovery operation related to business-related printed materials, the amount of printing agent used in the recovery operation is added to the printing agent usage. According to this configuration, if the recovery operation is determined to be a business-related operation, the printing agent used in the recovery operation is added to the printing agent usage. This prevents the user from reducing the amount of ink used for personal printing.

[0158] (8) The allocating unit 94 is capable of allocating at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device 11. If it is determined that the first printable number of sheets is less than a predetermined value, the allocating unit 94 allocates the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets. This configuration prevents a situation in which the printable number of sheets in the office is reduced and users of printed materials in the office are unable to print.

[0159] (9) The printing system 10 includes a code generating unit 98 and an image reading unit 62, which is an example of a reading unit. The code generating unit 98 generates the second printable number of sheets as a code, and the image reading unit 62 is provided in the second printing device 60 and reads the code. By reading the code by the image reading unit 62, the second printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printing device 60. With this configuration, the printable number can be transferred even if the second printing device 60 is not connected to the network.

[0160] (10) The code stores the device information of the second printer 60. When the code is read by the image reader 62, if the second printer 60 does not match the device information, the second printable number of sheets is not allocated to the second printer 60. With this configuration, even if the code is lost, there is no possibility of misuse by others.

[0161] (11) The first location is an office, and the second location is a location outside the office. According to this configuration, at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets can be allocated as the second printable number of sheets to the second printing device 60 for printing at a location outside the office.

[0162] It should be noted that the above embodiment can also be modified as the following modified examples. Furthermore, a suitable combination of the above embodiment and the following modified examples can be set as a further modified example, and a suitable combination of the following modified examples can be set as a further modified example.

[0163] Information other than the printing cost per sheet may be used as the printing information.

[0164] The conversion ratio when the conversion is performed by the conversion unit 95 may be changed based on the monthly aggregated information. In other words, the conversion unit 95 may be configured to convert the printable number of sheets using a conversion ratio determined based on the monthly aggregated information.

[0165] In the example shown as an embodiment, the printing cost per sheet of the second printing device 60 is higher than the printing cost per sheet of the first printing device 11 . However, the printing cost per sheet of the second printing device 60 may be lower than the printing cost per sheet of the first printing device 11 .

[0166] Liquid consumption consumed during the recovery operation may not be included in the number of printed sheets when determining the number of printed sheets. For example, liquid consumption for flushing (empty ejection) may be converted to and included in the number of printed sheets, while liquid consumption for cleaning may not be converted to and included in the number of printed sheets. Alternatively, liquid consumption for both flushing and cleaning may not be converted and included in the number of printed sheets.

[0167] The determination can also be made based on the ratio of business use to personal use in the number of sheets printed from the previous printing to the current printing.

[0168] The medium M is not limited to paper, and may be a film or sheet made of synthetic resin, cloth, nonwoven fabric, a composite film of synthetic resin and metal (laminated sheet), metal foil, ceramics, or the like.

[0169] The first printing device 11 is not limited to a line printer or a serial printer, but may be a page printer. In addition, the second printing device 60 is not limited to a serial printer, but may be a line printer or a page printer.

[0170] The first printing device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer and may also be a laser printer. In this case, the printing medium is toner. Furthermore, in this case, the second printing device 60 may also be an inkjet printer. In this case, the printed information may also be information related to the price per sheet of toner and ink (liquid). It should be noted that the second printing device 60 may also be a laser printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0171] The technical ideas and effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described below.

[0172] (A) The printing system comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring the number of printed sheets in a first printing device installed in a first location; a comparison unit for comparing the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquisition unit with a prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on a charge amount; a calculation unit for calculating a first printable number of sheets in the first printing device based on the comparison by the comparison unit; and an allocation unit for allocating at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculation unit as a second printable number of sheets in a second printing device installed in a second location, the second printing device being capable of printing based on the second printable number of sheets as a chargeable object.

[0173] According to this configuration, in the fixed-price printing service, the possibility that the monthly fee becomes too high relative to the number of printed sheets can be reduced when the number of printed sheets in the office decreases due to home working or the like.

[0174] (B) In the above-mentioned printing system, it may also be provided with a conversion unit, which converts between each printable number of sheets when at least a part of the first printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printable number of sheets, and the conversion unit converts between each printable number of sheets based on the printing information of the first printing device and the second printing device.

[0175] This configuration reduces the likelihood of a significant reduction in the specified print count, as printing costs vary between printers. By converting the printable count for each printer, the user can avoid the hassle of allocating printable counts to each printer while taking into account the varying costs. For example, this configuration can prevent printing costs from becoming excessively high when allocating printable counts without conversion.

[0176] (C) In the above-mentioned printing system, a printing cost per sheet of medium may be used as the printing information.

[0177] This configuration reduces the risk of significantly reducing the specified number of sheets by converting the printable number for each printer, as printing costs vary depending on the printer. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for users to allocate printable numbers based on printer costs while taking into account the costs of each printer. For example, it prevents the printing cost from being higher than expected when allocating printable numbers without converting the number of sheets.

[0178] (D) In ​​the above-mentioned printing system, the printing system may also include a judgment unit, which judges whether the printed matter printed by the second printing device is a business printed matter or a private printed matter. When the printed matter is judged by the judgment unit to be the business printed matter, the number of the printed business printed matter is subtracted from the second printable number of sheets, and when the printed matter is judged by the judgment unit to be the private printed matter, the number of the printed business printed matter is not subtracted from the second printable number of sheets.

[0179] According to this configuration, the printable number is reduced only when the user performs business printing. Therefore, the printable number is not reduced for private printing, which can reduce the disadvantages of the company that contracts with the service provider that provides fixed-price printing services.

[0180] (E) In the above-described printing system, the printing system may include an estimating unit that estimates an amount of printing agent used in the second printing device based on the number of business printed materials printed by the second printing device.

[0181] This configuration makes it possible to estimate the amount of printing agent (e.g., ink) used for both personal and professional printing. According to a subscription agreement, the service provider is required to supply ink for a specified number of printed materials. In this case, there is a possibility that the second printing device is being used for personal printing. Because personal printing falls outside the subscription agreement, it is necessary to provide the user with only the printing agent used for professional printing. Since the amount of printing agent used for professional printing can be estimated, the user can be provided with the required amount of printing agent.

[0182] (F) In the above-mentioned printing system, when the amount of printing agent used estimated by the estimating unit reaches a predetermined amount, a request may be made to supply the predetermined amount of printing agent.

[0183] According to this configuration, the possibility of the user running out of ink is reduced, and it is possible to prevent excessive ink from being supplied to the user.

[0184] (G) In the above-mentioned printing system, the second printing device may be an inkjet printing device that prints by ejecting ink, and when it is determined that the recovery action performed by the second printing device is the recovery action associated with the business printed material, the amount of printing agent used by the recovery action is added to the printing agent usage.

[0185] According to this configuration, when the recovery operation is determined to be a work-related operation, the printing agent used in the recovery operation is added to the printing agent usage. This prevents the user from reducing the ink used for private printing.

[0186] (H) In the above-mentioned printing system, the allocation unit may be capable of allocating at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device, and when it is determined that the first printable number of sheets is below a predetermined value, the allocation unit allocates the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets.

[0187] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the number of printable sheets in the office is reduced and users of printed materials in the office are unable to print.

[0188] (I) In the above-mentioned printing system, the printing system may also include: a code generating unit that generates the second printable number of sheets as a code; and a reading unit that is provided in the second printing device and reads the code, and by using the reading unit to read the code, the second printable number of sheets is configured to the second printing device.

[0189] According to this configuration, even if the second printing apparatus is not connected to the network, the number of printable sheets can be transferred.

[0190] (J) In the above-mentioned printing system, the code may maintain device information of the second printing device, and when the code is read by the reading unit, if the second printing device is inconsistent with the device information, the second printable number of sheets is not allocated to the second printing device.

[0191] According to this configuration, even if the code is lost, there is no possibility of it being misused by others.

[0192] (K) In the above printing system, the first location may be an office, and the second location may be a location other than the office.

[0193] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets can be allocated as the second printable number of sheets to the second printing device used for printing at a location other than an office.

Claims

1. A printing system, characterized in that: have: an acquiring unit for acquiring the number of printed sheets in a first printing device installed at a first location; a comparing unit that compares the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquiring unit with a prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on a charged amount; a calculation unit that calculates a first printable number of sheets in the first printing device based on the comparison by the comparison unit; as well as an allocating unit that allocates at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculating unit as a second printable number of sheets in a second printing device installed in a second location, The second printing device can print based on the second printable number of sheets as a chargeable object, The printing system includes a conversion unit that converts between the printable numbers of sheets when allocating at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets to the second printable number of sheets. The conversion unit converts between the respective printable numbers of sheets based on the print information of the first printing device and the second printing device.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The printing cost per one medium is used as the printing information.

3. A printing system, characterized in that: have: an acquiring unit for acquiring the number of printed sheets in a first printing device installed at a first location; a comparing unit that compares the number of printed sheets acquired by the acquiring unit with a prescribed number of printed sheets determined based on a charged amount; a calculation unit that calculates a first printable number of sheets in the first printing device based on the comparison by the comparison unit; as well as an allocating unit that allocates at least a portion of the first printable number of sheets calculated by the calculating unit as a second printable number of sheets in a second printing device installed in a second location, The second printing device can print based on the second printable number of sheets as a chargeable object, The printing system includes a determination unit that determines, among printed materials printed by the second printing device, printed materials that are printed via a business driver installed in the second printing device as business-use printed materials, and determines, among printed materials printed by the second printing device, printed materials that are printed via a normal driver installed in the second printing device as private-use printed materials. When the printed matter determined by the determination unit to be the business printed matter is printed, the number of printed business printed matter is subtracted from the second printable number of sheets. When the printed matter determined by the determination unit to be the private printed matter is printed, the number of printed private printed matter is not subtracted from the second printable number of sheets.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein: The printing system includes an estimating unit that estimates a usage amount of printing agent in the second printing device based on the number of business printed materials printed by the second printing device.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein: When the printing agent usage amount estimated by the estimating unit reaches a predetermined amount, supply of the predetermined amount of printing agent is requested.

6. The printing system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The second printing device is an inkjet printing device that prints by ejecting ink. If it is determined that the recovery operation performed by the second printing apparatus is the recovery operation associated with the business printed material, the amount of printing agent used by the recovery operation is added to the printing agent usage amount.

7. The printing system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The allocating unit is capable of allocating at least a portion of the second printable number of sheets as the first printable number of sheets in the first printing device. The allocating unit allocates the second printable number of sheets to the first printable number of sheets when it is determined that the first printable number of sheets is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

8. The printing system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The printing system comprises: a code generating unit that generates the second printable number of sheets as a code; and A reading unit is provided in the second printing device and reads the code. The second printable number of sheets is allocated to the second printing device by reading the code with the reading unit.

9. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein: The code holds device information of the second printing device, When the code is read by the reader, if the second printing device does not match the device information, the second printable number of sheets is not allocated to the second printing device.

10. The printing system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The first place is an office, and the second place is a place outside the office.

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